Here's a new device, the Powertrekk portable fuel cell that is about to hit the market. Report by Gizmag here.

The spin:MyFC PowerTrekk uses eco-friendly fuel cell technology which cleanly and efficiently converts hydrogen into electricity. The ability to simply insert a PowerPukk fuel pack and add water provides users instant and limitless power on the go.

Unlike solar chargers, fuel cell power is generated quickly (no waiting for sun harvesting) and reliably (speed of charging not impacted by weather, solar position etc. and no power degradation like batteries).

At the heart of PowerTrekk is myFC’s proprietary FuelCellSticker technology. Made from foils and adhesives, these FuelCellStickers form a flexible assembly less than 2.75mm thick. Since the hydrogen fuel can be supplied from several alternative sources, the system is “flexifuel”.

The fuel cell inside PowerTrekk is a completely passive system. Without fans or pumps, the fuel cell silently converts hydrogen into electricity via its Proton Exchange Membrane.The chemistry process is safe, controllable and eco-friendly, and the only bi-product from the fuel cell is a little water vapor. To operate, hydrogen must be supplied to the fuel cell, and the fuel cell must be exposed to the open air.The fuel cell charger is electronic waste and will be part of an industry program for recycling. The fuel pack is part of an industry program for reusing its materials and is made of coated can materials which prevent corrosion and leakage of chemicals.

PowerTrekk and PowerPukk meet industry security standards and can be brought on an airplane passenger cabin.

il padrone wrote:http://ktrmurali.wordpress.com/tag/powerpukk/Expected price of $US200-300 and a cost of $US4 per Powerpukk. One Powerpukk will recharge two smartphones. $2 per recharge starts to look like mighty expensive power supply

I think its dear too but how many people wouldnt think of spending the money to buy a dynamo hub because "its dear". The smaller the niche market the more premium the price it appears. Amongst the few people I know in WA, many were completely astounded by my purchasing an E-werk and its cache battery. I think its swings and roundabouts. The Powerpukk isnt on my xmas wishlist but I have to add "yet" as once its become known the price will come down. The technology coming to fruition is just mind-boggling to me. I can remember laughing at the idea of Star Treks transponders (wireless phones) but now wont be surprised if someone says "beam me up Scottie" and they disappear. I'm going to go out on a limb and assume that its going to be an accountant wearing a bespoke suit that utters that famous quote

Actually, that is one very cool idea. I have ant+ on the smartphone and i'd use something like this to check the tyre pressures before heading out, rather than attaching the pump every 2-3 days on the road bike.

Actually, that is one very cool idea. I have ant+ on the smartphone and i'd use something like this to check the tyre pressures before heading out, rather than attaching the pump every 2-3 days on the road bike.

Isn't that what your thumb is for?

Here's an "interesting" but not necessarily new bit of, er, gear. I've mentioned it around before. The Pinion gearbox provides 18 evenly spaced gears, all internal in the BB space, but requires a custom frame.

RonK wrote:Cruise Control is an iPhone app for runners that adjust the tempo of your music to match your pace.

It works either by stride detection or by GPS, so should work for cyclists too. It would be interesting to find out.

I'd like to develop an app that plays Eye of the Tiger when climbing hills.

Well this app will do that. I emailed the developer to ask if a bike version will be made. He's focussed on fine-tuning the app, but a bike version will be available in the future. He sent me a link to a review by someone who is already using it on a bike. It's an interesting site, called NYVelocity.